Delhi Daredevils continue to make moves ahead of the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with former India batsman Mohammad Kaif being roped in as the franchise’s assistant coach for the coming season.
The 37-year-old joins former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting’s coaching staff at the Daredevils which also includes another Aussie in the form of James Hopes.
Kaif’s appointment to the role was confirmed by the franchise on Friday though a statement.
“Delhi Daredevils have roped in former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif as their assistant coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League season,” the franchise announced on Twitter.
We're delighted to announce that @MohammadKaif has joined the #DD unit as an Assistant Coach for the upcoming VIVO #IPL season. #DilDilli #Dhadkega pic.twitter.com/49X4TNd9Xg
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) November 9, 2018
Kaif, who represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs, expressed his delight at his latest assignment in the IPL.
“I’m delighted to be part of the Delhi Daredevils and am looking forward to bringing together an exciting group of boys, who are going to make their franchise and country proud,” he stated.
“With the management team’s support, I am sure we’ll help nurture many of the younger boys in the squad and make this team a force to be reckoned with in the IPL,” Kaif added.
This is not the first assistant-coach stint Kaif has undergone in the IPL. In the 2017 edition of the league, the former India international had been an assistant coach to Brad Hodge in the now defunct Gujarat Lions.
Kaif’s appointment comes on the heels of Delhi signing India’s limited-overs opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan joined Delhi from Sunrisers Hyderabad in a multi-player trade which saw Shahbaz Nadeem, Vijay Shankar and Abhishek Sharma go the other way.
